Unai Emery has brought back Aston Villa’s standing as one of the top teams in the nation, and the Spaniard has them playing at a high level this season.
The Midlands team has qualified for the Europa Conference League’s round of 16, where they will play Dutch powerhouse Ajax for a position in the quarterfinals. In addition, they are vying for a Champions League slot.
Despite larger teams’ interest in Moussa Diaby and Pau Torres, the former Paris Saint-Germain manager used his shrewdness in the transfer market to entice them to Villa Park, where they went on to establish themselves as valuable players of the team.
Furthermore, Emery has also been able to remove some deadwood. Danny Ings left the team in January of last year for a fee of £15 million, while teenage striker Cameron Archer left for Sheffield United in a deal estimated to be worth £18 million. With this money, the manager was able to boost his team.
Even more Villa players may depart this summer; Lucas Digne, who joined from Everton two years ago, is someone Emery could definitely sell for a good price. Digne hasn’t really shown off his skills since signing.
Aston Villa’s purchase price for Lucas Digne
A few months after Steven Gerrard took over as manager in November 2021, he was able to make some moves during the winter transfer window.
Gerrard’s sole acquisition that came at a financial expense was Digne, who came from the Goodison Park team for £25 million. The manager commended the defender, saying:
“We seized the chance to welcome Lucas to the club as soon as he became available.
“To sign a player of his pedigree and quality in the January window is a great addition to our squad and his arrival excites me and everyone associated with Aston Villa.”
